Nechako River Access Project Expands Water-Based Recreational Tourism In Prince George

In 2006, Prince George Jet Boat Association received a $70,000 grant from Northern Development through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program towards this $298,548 project. This has been a funding partnership of Prince George Jet Boat Association, Northern Development, City of Prince George, Columbia Bitulithic, Exact Welding Ltd., Forbes Industrial Contractors Ltd., PG Rental Centre Ltd., The Cat Rental Store, Twin Rivers Developments (1981) Ltd., United Rentals of Canada Inc., and White Spruce Enterprises (1981) Ltd.

2012- The Prince George Riverboat Association installed a new boat launch on the banks of the Nechako River at Cottonwood Park in 2006. This project was an essential undertaking when the old boat launch proved inadequate because of its mud and gravel construction. The new boat launch is constructed of concrete and has been providing recreationalists with safe and reliable access to the Nechako River for powerboats, canoes, kayaks, and other watercraft.

The nearly $300,000 project was funded in cooperation by Northern Development, the City of Prince George, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, local Prince George businesses, and community donations. These funds were used for site preparation, purchase of construction materials and the actual construction of the boat launch itself. A significant portion of the construction costs was the installation of a steel cofferdam to isolate the construction area from the Nechako River.

"The Cottonwood Park boat launch users are extremely happy with the installation of the new boat launch. The Nechako River was becoming unsafe and inaccessible at Cottonwood Park, but with the installation of the new launch, boaters now have safe and reliable access to the Nechako River."

Shannon Studney, President, Prince George Boat Launch Association

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Positive Economic Impacts in Prince George

Improved accessibility to the Nechako and Fraser Rivers in Prince George is helping various organizations in the community by providing a safe and reliable launch facility for search and rescue watercraft, tourism, and recreational boats. Three guided river tour operators and three local river boat manufacturers have supported this project as it allows small businesses in the tourism sector to design and test new products as well as to provide demonstrations to potential customers.

The improved access to the Nechako River is allowing community groups to host events on the river, such as charity poker runs, which is not only fun for recreationalists, but beneficial for charity organizations as well.

Economic Diversification Infrastructure

The Economic Diversification Infrastructure program is no longer available. However, your project may still be eligible under one of our NEW programs.

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